I have used this a moderate amount to thread steel (silver steel - W1 drill rod), brass, and plastic. It is a quality product and so far it is cutting well. No complaints on the sharpness, hardness of the tool, etc. The case works well apart from the latches which have a tendency to snap off, but can be easily snapped back on. My only compliant is that it is too fancy in some cases. The ratchet head works well, but in many cases you want to go forward and backwards when forming threads to cut off the metal which is being cut by the instrument. If you don't, the tool will jam when doing larger threads. On smaller objects, in some cases you simply twist the rod off (or tap if you are threading a hole). In any case, the ratchet head makes this difficult. By trying to be fancy, they are making things harder to use in my opinion. You have to switch the ratchet knob back and forth all the time... So, a quality product, but perhaps more tech then required. I will keep it, would probably have bought it again, but don't love it due to this one design choice.

I've never been sure Gearwrench products are worth the price, but this set appears to be of the highest quality. The ratcheting handle is brilliant and comfortable. Some of the dies are a very tight fit in it and need to be tapped in place, but they come out with similar force from the back side. Much better than too loose. Only used one die so far, but worked fine. The case is also better quality than most molded plastic cases and is textured for a better grip. The clasps are plastic, but seem firm and likely to last.

I am not a professional machinist, and have no experience with expensive high-end tools they use for threading. However this is my 4th tap and die set and I can certainly tell you it???s the highest quality set I???ve ever used. During the past few weeks I???ve used this set on a variety of small projects involving metal, plastic and wood (birch to be exact) and it???s performed very well. I mostly have good things to say about this product, so let???s get the bad stuff - which is really just nitpicking - out of the way first. THE BAD: [-] The screws and nuts cut with this set are just a tiny bit on the loose end of the scale. I didn???t find this to be a problem, as they work fine and hold well when tightened. [-] The ratcheting mechanism goes forward or reverse but cannot be locked. This is also a very minor irritation. I should mention this ???problem??? only affects the use of the dies - there is a bar than can be used with the taps when you prefer to eliminate the ratchet. [-] The case does not have a handle. Another very minor issue. Note that eliminating the handle allows the case to be more compact, so it???s an even trade-off. THE GOOD: [] The plastic case is high quality, compact, sturdy, with clear crisp markings for all the taps and dies. When closed it can be tipped upside down and jostled around without spilling it???s contents or mixing them up. It is obvious when opening the case which side is up. [] The taps and dies are nicely marked with what appears to be laser etching. [] The taps and dies that I used where sharp and cut cleanly in metal, plastic and even wood. It???s a bit unusual to tap threaded holes in wood, but it can be done. I cut some nice M10 x 1.5 threads into birch for a tool case. A tap must be very sharp to achieve this. [] The ratcheting handle is very good quality, with a 5 degree step and rubber grips. It accommodates the tap holders and the die holder which snap in with a satisfying click to assure you it???s locked in place. [] The dies fit precisely into the die holder. I???ll try to post a photo showing just how perfectly it fits the dies. I am impressed that there is no slop whatsoever in the die to die-holder fit. [] The die holder has a centering mechanism comprised of three rods which can be closed around the workpiece to help ensure a straight thread. [] The tap holders are also very high quality with spring loaded jaws. [] Even the included thread gauge it a cut above average (compared to my other three tap and die sets). [] The set is made in Taiwan, which is a step above China (sometimes a big step). DETAILS AND SPECIFICATIONS: o The hex taps are 25.45 mm across flat-to-flat (1.002???). They are 9.10 mm thick (0.358???). They will fit in my 1??? socket, but it???s very tight. o The thread gauge measures 0.45 to 2.50 mm threads o There are 17 taps and 17 dies, here is a complete list. 3 mm x 0.50 taper, 3 mm x 0.60 taper, 4 mm x 0.70 paper, 4 mm x 0.75 taper, 5 mm x 0.80 taper 5 mm x 0.90 taper, 6 mm x 1.00 taper, 7 mm x 1.00 taper, 8 mm x 1.25 taper, 9 mm x 1.00 plug, 9 mm x 1.25 plug, 10 mm x 1.25 plug, 10 mm x 1.50 plug, 11 mm x 1.50 plug, 12 mm x 1.50 plug 12 mm x 1.75 plug 1/8-28 BSP pipe The smallest 3 mm is 0.118??? or a tad less than 1/8??? diameter, The largest 12 mm is 0.472??? or a tad larger than 30/64ths??? diameter.

This little kit is great for all those metric nuts and bolts that are on everything. I am an engineer, but have not tested the quality of the steel. There is no information that came with the unit that gives the Rockwell hardness or quality of the steel. However, for the infrequent times you need to clean up some threads, or drill and tap a new hole, this little kit should suffice. For household or light shop use, this kit should last for many years, as you will only use it very infrequently. Frankly, if you have a couple of neighbors that are friends, it makes more sense to just loan it around for anyone who needs to use it. It is one of those kits that you have on the shelf, and use only infrequently. If you are a professional, and constantly re-threading, tapping holes, cleaning up bad bolts, etc., it makes more sense to get a professional set.

few choice import sizes that I'd like to have been included, but otherwise a great set.

Quality tap and dies; I've used a couple of each and been impressed. They cut better than my aging Sears set, and are well beyond Irwins. The small and medium tap adapters are really nice, and operate smoothly. The die holder w/ twist-lock guide actually works very well. Not the smoothest in operation, but nothing a bit of lube won't fix. The ratchet does make things a lot easier; the added torque/leverage from the handles makes turning it very easy. As others have mentioned, it does get a bit aggravating when you keep having to flip the switch to back it off. Also, the ratchet mechanism itself does not exactly function smoothly; it's rough and choppy, and sometimes sticks. This is what made me knock off a star. Every other part of the set is very nice.

This tool is amazing in quality and what is offered in terms of accessories and adapters. I used it on my project and it did a beautiful clean cut of threads. It is truly and amazing the quality and value. My Gearwrench have stood up to hard use and abuse.

This is a nice high quality metric set in a decent plastic storage case. It goes all the way up to 12mm which is a few sizes larger than my other set. The set is a little unusual in the way the tap and die holders work. It is a modular system with a T handle that has a ratchet mechanism. The tap or die holders plug into this T handle. The tap holders can also be turned with a pin that is also included as a separate part. It's a few extra parts to keep track of but also a pretty flexible system. The tap or die holders can be driven with a 6 point socket (3/434; or 19mm) instead of the T handle to get in a tight spot. It isn't a great size match to the socket but it works. One aspect that I don't fully agree with is the ratcheting T handle. It should have a way to lock out the ratchet mechanism so it can be turned either direction without ratcheting. When using taps or dies, I was taught to turn the tap 1/4 turn and then reverse the tap to break off the burr. This keeps the tap from binding up with long metal shavings. With the ratcheting T handle this is a little more cumbersome. Overall I recommend this set.

No qualms about the build quality of this tap and die set. It's my first and I absolutely love it. Will update the review if anything goes wrong, but so far I'm VERY impressed.

This is a well constructed kit that comes in a durable plastic case. The tools have a hefty quality feel, and so far with a couple of basic retreading tests the set has performed flawlessly. For occasional use, this set is a winner and will probably last longer than I do!

Once again my son was very impressed with the GearWrench brand. The price is very reasonable for decent quality and nearly everything he was looking for. He mentioned that he noticed, based on using his grandpa's tools verses the GearWrench Tap and Die set... That the GearWrench set appears to be missing a locking mechanism on the ratchet, which takes some getting used too. He also wished the case had a pop up handle as he travels frequently between two garages. Overall he's incredibly happy with the quality of this set. He will definitely be considering more quality tools from this brand.

Used this to thread a couple holes in my mast for my boat. The ratcheting feature is a huge improvement over the cheaper twist, twist units. I feel much safer using this, not so worried about getting crooked. There is a paper conversion sheet included. I wish it was laminated or mounted somehow, sticker(?) to the carrying case so it doesn't blow away. I don't use a tap very often and I along with someone else found the sheet to be confusing, trying to figure out the right tap for a 8 machine screw. Not going to ding a star for that because the quality of the gear is exceptional.

I believe this set is made in Taiwan (Blah), but it is well made and durable. It is now difficult to find items made in America, thanks to all the folks who insist on always purchasing cheap (and often throw away a few months later) items. However, this set appears to be made to last for quite a while. It is a nice little, easy to carry metric set that would make a great Father's Day gift for the handyman type. All taps and dies lock in place. If pieces are put back into case properly, there is no rattling in the back of the car or trunk. The carbon steel wrenches are tough. Also a great starter set for the younger handyman or woman in the family.

Pretty good metric tap and die set. Vine offered it and the son and I had been having a devil of a time with a stripped bolt on a ladder rack set for his pickup and after getting out the old Vermont set I've had for years we were stymied by the fact that the ladder rack is made in Japan and the bolt was metric. The same day serendipitously Vine offered this GearWrench 3886 set and I sent for it. Right off the bat I'd say the set is pretty high quality, not the top dollar type, but way above average. I also like the fact that the die handle ratchets and makes it easy to use the dies. My son is the mechanic these days in the household and he had no problem getting into the bolt and backing it out. Since he didn't have an extra bolt and we would have to send to Japan for one he used a blank he had to go buy and made his own. He said he was impressed with the quality of the dies and threading wasn't that hard once you got used to the ratchet handle which made it easier to rotate 360 but you have to flip the lever a lot. He likes the case which is molded and holds the dies and tools in place well, but said it would be better with a handle. So now we have both a standard and a metric Tap and Die set and the ladder rack is on the truck and steady as a rock. I'm giving it Four Stars because I personally couldn't read the printing on the die holders in the case even with my glasses. I think tool makers need to take into account geezers like me and remember we're still alive and we use tools and make the printing big enough for all and also for the lack of a handle on the case (but if those things aren't important to you then you can add the star back). Over all I'd recommend it as being a very good set to do the job its designed for. Any problems down the road and I'll come back and say so.

The GearWrench 3886 Tap and Die 40 Piece Metric Set is a fantastic step up from the older SAE Tap and Die set I have used for many years. Seemingly simple improvements like the ratcheting T-handle and Twist Lock Guide system insures the tap or die is applied strait and true unlike the days you wound up driving the tap off to one side. Furthermore the carbon steel construction insures this set will be serviceable for many years to come.

The taps and dies are well cut and hardened and tap easily. The ratcheting T wrench feels solid in your hand. The case is high quality plastic and secures firmly. A great set overall.

I have a few tools I use pretty frequently, and my tap sets are definitely in heavy rotation. However, I've always used cheap tap sets, and just kind of accepted broken taps and swearing when I use them as a part of life. Aaaaand then I got this set. Everything I hated about the cheap sets I've used, I love about these. They're solid, very well made, and sharp. I've found my tapped holes tend to be cleaner and tighter than with the other sets, as well. The only complaint I have is that the rachet can't be locked directionally, so for a new tap, you have to change the direction lever to work the tap back and forth.

This is one beautiful tap and die set!!! The main ratcheting die handle uses the GearWrench pass-thru Vortex system, the same design found on their pass-thru sockets/ratchets. The die holder has a simple allen screw to secure the die, but also has a twist-lock system that acts as a guide. Basically, you can use that to secure the fastener you are re-threading with the die so that it doesn't wobble and cause the threads to go off-center. The tap holders are very easy to use by simply twisting the bottom piece to lock onto the taps. The tap holders are excellent. With less expensive tap and die sets, usually I have the taps and dies spilling all over the place when I knock the case over. Here, at least the taps are secured in their holders (much like drill bits). The only drawback is that for cutting new material, the ratcheting handle will require you to work the reverse/forward lever numerous times versus simply manually turning the handle clockwise/counter-clockwise. It's not a big deal at all, but I felt I should mention it. I'll have to pick up the SAE set, although I could use the SAE taps and dies I already have with the Gearwrench holders/ratcheting handle! Overall: 5/5 stars

A great little metric tap and die set. All of the components feel nice and solid, all of the bit have great bite right out of the box.The ratcheting, but non-locking handle does take a bit of getting used to. While comfortable and it makes it feel like you can get some nice torque on the tap, it does also feel cumbersome and a bit in the way when you're dealing with larger projects or harder materials. The case feels very adequite - a few of my dies were actually loose upon arrival, but I'm not sure how rough of a trip they had in transit, so I'm not too upset about that. They do feel somewhat free in their housing in general though.

The ratcheting handle is really great for soft materials. I've been cutting M3 threads into PLA (3D printed parts), 1/4 inch pipe threads into Delrin, etc. Those first few turns of thread are always tense because it's so easy to mess them up while changing hand positions. You have to change hand positions because your wrist only rotates about 180 degrees. This ratcheting handle takes that worry away because you don't have to change hand positions, just ratchet the tap on in. For harder materials, it'll work but might get annoying if you use that motion where you cut some thread, back it off to break the cutting, then cut some more thread. You can't back it off without flipping the lever on the ratchet. So, that's a lot of lever flipping. As for the taps and dies themselves. They look and feel like pretty good quality. I'm pretty happy with them in general and it's nice to have a metric tap set instead of the random assortment I've built up. Most of all - that ratcheting handle is a major quality of life improvement with all the plastic I've been tapping lately.